NYRA Releases ‘John Henry Collection’ on YouTube

By Jon Forbes | 03/08/2013 12:44 PM ET

John Henry

PHOTO/Adam Coglianese

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) has announced the release of “The John Henry Collection” on its YouTube channel, allowing racing fans to watch and relive all 20 of the gelding’s starts at Aqueduct Racetrack, Belmont Park, and Saratoga Race Course.

John Henry was foaled 38 years ago on March 9, 1975. He sold for $1,100 as a yearling and rose from obscurity to become a stalwart of the turf and handicap divisions, winning Horse of the Year honors in 1981 and 1984.

After beginning his career in Louisiana and Kentucky, he was purchased privately by Sam Rubin of Dotsam Stable. Following the sale, he quickly ascended from the claiming ranks and went on to win stakes for trainers Bob Donato, Victor “Lefty” Nickerson, and Hall of Famer Ron McAnally.

As a 9-year-old, John Henry won six of nine starts, including the Turf Classic. At the time of his retirement, he was North America’s highest-earning racehorse, having banked more than $6.5 million. His overall record was 39-15-9 in 83 career starts.

John Henry lived out his retirement at the Kentucky Horse Park, where he died in 2007 at the age of 32. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1990.

Founded in 1955, and franchised to run thoroughbred racing at New York’s three major tracks (Aqueduct Racetrack, Belmont Park, and Saratoga Race Course) through 2033, NYRA boasts a lineage that actually stretches back almost 150 years. NYRA tracks are the cornerstone of the state’s thoroughbred business which contributes more than $2 billion annually to New York State’s urban, suburban and rural economy. In 2012, nearly 1.8 million people attended the live races at NYRA tracks. Factoring in nationwide off-track wagering, the average daily betting handle on NYRA races totals more than $9 million. NYRA has a vast network of websites, including www.nyra.com, www.belmontstakes.com, and www.nyragroupsales.com. You can also follow NYRA on social media platforms Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram.